Sao Mai Boutique Hotel
By the Top3Hotels editorial team. Based on Booking.com guest scores and reviews, location data and reference prices. We did not stay at this hotel. Updated 2026-10-24.
Sao Mai Boutique Hotel is worth booking for most visitors to Hanoi who want a quiet, walkable base near the Temple of Literature at a low price. If you want to be in the Old Quarter itself or need a spa and gym, look at our Luxury pick instead.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Who it suits and who should skip it
This is our Best Value pick in Hanoi. It suits couples, families and first-time visitors who want strong reviews, help with tours and a calm street to come back to. Family rooms and free parking are listed.
Skip it if you want to stay among the Old Quarter streets around Hoan Kiem Lake. Our Luxury pick sits there. Also skip it if you want facilities beyond the basics, since the listed ones are a restaurant, terrace, free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, free parking and family rooms.
Location and getting around
The address is 23 Ngõ Thông Phong, in the Dong Da area. Guests rate the location 9.4 and describe a quiet spot near the Temple of Literature, within walking distance of city sights.
Straight-line estimates from our data: the Temple of Literature is about 0.3 km away, around 4 minutes on foot. The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is 1.2 km, about 15 minutes. The Imperial Citadel of Thăng Long is 1.6 km, around 20 minutes. That puts three major sights within a short walk. These times have not been verified on the ground.
What guests say
The score is 9.4 out of 10 from 2,241 reviews, joint 7th of 17 eligible properties. With that many reviews, the number is reliable.
Staff get the most praise. Guests describe a friendly, professional team, a warm welcome and help arranging tours. Location comes next, with guests valuing the quiet setting near the Temple of Literature.
Our data contains no summary of common complaints. That does not mean there are none. Read a few recent low-scoring reviews before you book to see what bothers people.
Price compared with our other Hanoi picks
Reference prices seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 (10 to 12 November, 2 adults) put Sao Mai at €32.84 a night, about €66 for two nights. The sample median was €94.15, so this was 65% below it. These are not live quotes, so check today's price for your dates.
Hanoi Apartment Lac Long Quan, our Budget pick, was €18.30 a night with a score of 9.1, but its main sights are 40 minutes or more away on foot. Classyc Hotel Hang Thung, our Luxury pick, was €137.66 a night with a score of 9.6.
For about €14.54 more a night than the Budget pick, you get a higher score, far more reviews and a walkable location. Breakfast styles listed include Continental, vegetarian, Asian, American, buffet and breakfast to go, though inclusion in your rate is not confirmed.
Why it made our top 3
We compared 17 eligible properties in Hanoi. The Best Value slot weighs guest score, review count and reference price together. A 9.4 from over two thousand reviews at about a third of the median price made Sao Mai an easy choice. It holds 4 stars in our data.
Before you book
Room size, noise, renovation condition, breakfast inclusion and cancellation terms have not been assessed. Check whether breakfast is in your rate and confirm parking if you are arriving by car or motorbike.
Check prices on Booking.com ↗We may earn a commission if you book. It never changes our pick.
Sold out? See available alternatives →Questions travellers ask
How far is Sao Mai Boutique Hotel from the Temple of Literature?
About 0.3 km, roughly 4 minutes on foot as a straight-line estimate.
Is Sao Mai Boutique Hotel in the Old Quarter?
No, it is in Dong Da near the Temple of Literature. Guests describe it as a quiet spot within walking distance of city sights.
Can the hotel help with tours?
Guests mention staff helping with tours. Ask the hotel directly about options and prices.
How much does Sao Mai Boutique Hotel cost?
The reference price seen for a 2-night stay in November 2026 for 2 adults was €32.84 a night. Check today's price for your dates.
Does Sao Mai Boutique Hotel serve breakfast?
Several breakfast styles are listed, including buffet and breakfast to go. Whether it is included is not confirmed, so check your rate.